Near Big Pool in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Fort Frederick Oﬃcers’ Quarters

By J. J. Prats, October 22, 2006

1. Fort Frederick Officers’ Quarters Marker

Inscription.

Fort Frederick Officers’ Quarters. . A Ghost in the Ground. Before you is the foundation of “The Governor’s House,” the building that served as the officers’ quarters, ceremonial hall and storeroom for Fort Frederick. What did that building look like? We know the size and general layout of the building from the foundation. There are only a few historical documents, which mention the building. Of those, the most significant is Samuel Hughes’s 1778 letter, from which we learn that the building was a 2-story timber framed structure with weather board siding and a wood-shingled roof. Beyond that general description we know very little. There are no plans, sketches or early images showing more. . . Where Do We Go from Here? Although most of the historical research is completed, this sketch is the beginning. DGS, DNR, the Historical Consultant, and the Architect will refine the design and will complete details for construction. The building will be erected using framing techniques very similar to those used by 18th century builders on the frontiers of Maryland. Throughout the process we are counting on the interest and support of visitors and the Friends of Fort Frederick. . . Letting History Fill in the Details. To gather missing evidence, we conducted exhaustive historical research into similar military buildings and other structures of the 1756 period—especially those within a one hundred mile radius—part of the regional building tradition. We also consulted archival resources from the Library of Congress, the Historic American Building Surveys, private collections, original guidebooks for carpenters, and period design books. Our goal was to identify common building practices and stylistic features, which would inform the design for the reconstructed Officers Quarters. The sketch shown here is a result of that research. . This historical marker is Near Big Pool in Washington County Maryland

A Ghost in the Ground.
Before you is the foundation of “The Governor’s House,” the building that served as the officers’ quarters, ceremonial hall and storeroom for Fort Frederick. What did that building look like? We know the size and general layout of the building from the foundation. There are only a few historical
documents, which mention the building. Of those, the most significant is Samuel Hughes’s 1778 letter, from which we learn that the building was a 2-story timber framed structure with weather board siding and a wood-shingled roof. Beyond that general description we know very little. There are no plans, sketches or early images showing more.

Where Do We Go from Here?
Although most of the historical research is completed, this sketch is the beginning. DGS, DNR, the Historical Consultant, and the Architect will refine the design and will complete

By J. J. Prats, October 22, 2006

2. Marker and Foundation Inside the Fort Walls

The fort's well can be seen in the distance. This view is east. The front door to the Officer's Quarters would have faced the fort's entrance across the parade ground.

details for construction. The building will be erected using
framing techniques very similar to those used by 18th century builders on the frontiers of Maryland. Throughout the process we are counting on the interest and support of visitors and the Friends of Fort Frederick.

Letting History Fill in the Details.
To gather missing evidence, we conducted exhaustive historical research into similar military buildings and other structures of the 1756 period—especially those within a one hundred mile radius—part of the regional building tradition. We also consulted archival resources from the Library of Congress, the Historic American Building Surveys, private
collections, original guidebooks for carpenters, and period design books. Our goal was to identify common building practices and stylistic features, which would inform the design for the reconstructed Officers Quarters. The sketch shown here is a result of that research.

Marker can be reached from Fort Frederick Road south of Big Pool Road (Maryland Route 56). It is inside the fort. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Big Pool MD 21711, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regarding Fort Frederick Officers’ Quarters. The Historical Consultant mentioned on the marker is Douglass C. Reed of Preservation Associates in Hagerstown, Maryland. The Architect is with the firm of Bushey Feight Morin, also in Hagerstown.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2019. This page originally submitted on January 20, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,306 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 20, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.